Aries
Someone's opportunistic tendencies are sometimes helpful for you, and sometimes
a hindrance. Be careful not to always be standing behind them, ready to grab on
to their coattails. If you get too out of practice when it comes to making your
own opportunities, you won't be able to be as independent as you might need to
be in the near future. Step away from the big personalities today -- go your own
way and try to open a few doors yourself. It will be tough, but rewarding.

Taurus
This is it -- the chance you have been waiting for! Don't you recognize it? What
-- you don't? Okay, then in order to see what you need to see you have to open
your eyes. This means breaking out of your current routine and looking at life
through fresh eyes. Turn your world upside down by imagining what your life
would be like if you were born a hundred years ago -- or a hundred years from
now! Suddenly, you will understand the opportunity that is right in your midst.

Gemini
Finding a balance between what you want to do and what you can afford to do will
not be very hard at all, starting today. You will either be released from an
unwanted and expensive commitment, or you are going to discover a new way to
adjust your lifestyle. It's all about taking advantage of opportunity when it
arrives and being flexible enough to make the most of things. Understand that a
small adjustment now will yield satisfying and enriching benefits for years to
come.

Cancer
The advice you dole out today will have more impact than you intend it to have.
Unfortunately, there is a strong tendency for words to be misinterpreted today
-- so be gentle. People who ask your opinion could get defensive: If you tell
them to 'chill out', they may hear 'don't be pompous.' You cannot be responsible
for the way other people react, but you can make an effort to play it safe.
Avoid any of the usual hotheads if you can.

Leo
The biggest problem with power struggles isn't that you might lose your grip --
the biggest problem is that while you're busy fighting for all the control you
want, you are losing focus on the most important things around you. Personal
relationships should be your top priority, and that may mean forgoing the big
ego battles in order to ensure harmony and security. There's no point in being
in control of everything when there's no one else there.

Virgo
There is one simple rule in life that never, ever changes: Hard work pays off.
Sure, it might not always seem like it -- especially when you notice some
undeserving people getting something for nothing today. But even if you don't
get an immediate pay off for all the hours you have been putting in, you will
get something more valuable in the long run -- whether it's an increased sense
of accomplishment, or an understanding of how to do things better next time.

Libra
Juxtapositions will grab your attention and start you thinking today. Pay
attention to unusual combinations, unexpected directions and any odd behavior
that you run across. Point these aberrations out to the people you are with.
Together, you can appreciate the remarkable situation. Besides being great
conversation-starters, these strange occurrences will show you what an
innovative, interesting place the world is. Look for new ideas to swarm into
your soon-to-be-blooming love life, too!

Scorpio
Just like at any busy intersection, many various paths in your life are joining
together today. Initially, it might feel like way too many things are coming to
a head at once. But don't worry -- and whatever you do, do not panic! This is
nothing major, so do not let it ruffle your feathers. Imagine you are
approaching that intersection in a car, and treat this day with caution. Take
things slowly, and look for the signs that will tell you what to do and where to
go.

Sagittarius
As usual today, your ability to roll with the punches is going to save you a lot
of grief. Adaptation is your saving grace. While others run around like chickens
with their heads cut off, you will be able to stay cool, calm and collected. You
know how to let go of worrying about what other people think about you, let go
of expectations you have put upon yourself, and most importantly -- you know how
to let go of trying to keep everything the way it has always been.

Capricorn
Interesting and positive energy will be circling all around you today, and these
good vibes will put you in a good frame of mind to deal with some surprising
news from a friend. If your reaction is negative, resist the urge to sound the
alarm right away. Respect the choices they are making, and wait a while to see
how things proceed before voicing your concerns. You run the risk of coming off
as judgmental, or as someone who thinks they know better than everyone else.

Aquarius
If you need to say something to someone that you fear might generate a negative
reaction, your best bet is to just hurry up and get it over with! Skip the
subliminal stuff -- hinting around about what your true meaning might be won't
do you any good, and it could send the message that you are up to something.
Come right out with what you have to say. Be clear, honest and tactful. Your
forthrightness will earn you respect and honesty in turn.

Pisces
Are you being watched? If you feel like you are under an evaluation by a
coworker, boss or even a potential sweetie today, why not turn the tables? Do
your own evaluation on whoever you feel is evaluating you. It's time to forget
what other people think about what you do, and focus more on what you think
about them. This is not about judging people -- it's about trying to discern
which relationships in your life need to grow, and which relationships need to
shrink, or even end.
Horoscopes @astrology.com 1996-2011